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Newly acquired Carrera could help Phillies with speed

3/18/13: Ezequiel Carrera grounds a single to right field, driving in Tyler Holt and giving the Indians a 3-2 sixth-inning lead

By Todd Zolecki
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MLB.com |

ATLANTA -- Ezequiel Carrera has speed, and he thinks he can use that speed to help the Phillies.

The Phillies on Tuesday claimed Carrera off waivers from the Indians, and he was in uniform for Wednesday's game against the Braves at Turner Field. Carrera stole 11-of-13 bases (84.6 percent) in Spring Training to lead all of baseball. He is 18-for-24 (75 percent) stealing bases in his big league career and 187-for-253 (73.9 percent) in his Minor League career.

"I was more aggressive in Spring Training in trying some things, and the results were the 11 stolen bases," Carrera said through his translator, Phillies first-base coach Juan Samuel. "It's always been a part of my game, the speed. But I took more chances in Spring Training and they paid off. … I realized it was something I could do. Bringing it into the season, I have more confidence I can be a good basestealer."

Carrera hit .272 with six doubles, three triples, two home runs, 11 RBIs and a .707 OPS in 158 plate appearances last season with Cleveland. The Phillies consider him a more polished version of Rule 5 Draft pick Ender Inciarte, whom the team placed on waivers Tuesday to make room for Carrera on the 40-man roster.

Carrera also said he is comfortable playing all three outfield positions.

"I'm very happy for the opportunity I'm going to get here," he said. "I believe I can help the club win some ballgames. Whatever it takes, I'll try to help."

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.